England v Holland: Stuart Pearce will not announce captaincy until morning of international friendly

Stuart Pearce will not name his England captain for the friendly against
Holland until tomorrow but decided "a week or two weeks ago" who
will lead the side.

By Telegraph staff

1:22PM GMT 28 Feb 2012

Pearce, who is in temporary charge of the national side following the resignation of Fabio Capello, insisted he would wait until he confirmed his starting XI for tomorrow's match at Wembley.

He said: "The captain will be announced tomorrow when the team is announced tomorrow morning. It's a format that I have followed at club level and under-21 level and I didn't see it necessary to change it at this moment in time."

Pearce denied he was being evasive by delaying the announcement. Had a captain been named today he would have been required to face the media and field possible questions about John Terry being stripped of the armband amid charges of alleged racial abuse towards Anton Ferdinand.

Charges that Terry denies.

Pearce revealed he had already decided who he would name, but accepted his choice may not tally with that of whoever the FA choose to lead England on a permanent basis.

Asked what qualities he looked for in a captain, Pearce said: "When I bear in mind it might be a one-off scenario, the captain has got to be somebody who is in the starting XI, somebody who's got the respect of the other players in my eyes and someone who is unselfish and puts the group above himself. That's a vital commodity as captain.

"There is no doubt there are several candidates, but I made my mind up a week or two weeks ago."

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is among the favourites for the role, having established himself as England's number one at the age of 24 and set to be a fixture in the side for a decade, fitness and form permitting.

Pearce expects to inform the players of his team - and captain - tomorrow morning.

"At 10am I would think we'll have a meeting before we go out and train," he said.

"We're in the home run for the (European) Championships in the summer and we have to find out about one or two in and around the squad and it's a great opportunity to find that out, playing against one of the favourites for the tournament.

"It's a fantastic opportunity, that's how we see it.

"I think they will acquit themselves very, very well and we're looking forward to it. Some will stake a claim for the summer, I hope the majority will."

Pearce added: "We're three friendlies away from the first game in the group so I think this is absolutely vital, I really do. Every time we get the group of players together we have to hit the floor running."

Pearce confirmed he is still in touch with the recently departed Capello.

"I spoke with Fabio a few days ago to thank him for everything he's done for me, and I received a text from him on Monday morning wishing me all the best for the game on Wednesday, which I replied to," said the former Nottingham Forest left-back.

Pearce admitted he had not applied for the full-time vacancy created by Capello's departure.

"No. I have spoken to my bosses at the organisation and when asked the question I have given an honest answer in the press conferences," he said.

"I am filling the breach while a new manager is found.

"The preparation is done for the summer, that's where we are at the moment.